The Manchester United striker was centre of attention while he was at Everton - and even now he has gone people are asking whether the Blues' upsurge in fortunes is down to his departure.

Gravesen, however, thinks the spotlight should fall on the players who are producing the goods.

"I don't think it is so much because Rooney left. I think every man has pride and, of course, that is no different here," he explained.

"Everyone was saying we were no good and you don't belong in the league and that makes you want to prove them wrong - that is in every man's nature.

"So I don't know if it is because Wayne left, all I know is that when you corner a guy he will do anything he can to get out of that. I think all the guys at Everton at the moment are now showing that a cornered person is stronger than a free one."

Gravesen pinpointed pride as the reason behind another excellent away result for Everton.

The Blues came from behind at St James' Park yesterday - and might have stolen their sixth away win of the season had Marcus Bent shown steadier finishing.

But Gravesen was satisfied with another point from the 1-1 draw.

"We are very determined right now at Everton in going forward and actually making ourselves better," he added. "We are trying to bring in new faces and that can only be a positive sign.

"It didn't look good with all the rumours in pre-season and after our first game with Arsenal it looked like it was downhill all season.

"But the guys around the club have managed to turn it around."

Gravesen would not be drawn, though, on his own uncertain future.

"Rumours exist because of the game and we can't comment on every rumour. At the moment everybody here is focusing on the job," he said.

Midfield partner Lee Carsley, meanwhile, received praise from boss David Moyes for his spectacular free-kick.

"He practices free-kicks very hard on the training ground every day and he deserved that," he said..

"He is one of those lads who goes a little bit unnoticed but I don't think that will be the case now.

"His performances have been great this season and he has gone about his job in a quiet and assured manner.